Dental students provide treatment for Portsmouth FC’s youth team

Portsmouth FC’s youth team paid a visit to the dentist recently in a bid to get in tip-top condition before the start of the new season.

The academy players took a trip to the University of Portsmouth’s Dental Academy as part of a collaborative initiative, which brings the university and the football club together. On the day, students on the dental course provided a range of general dental treatments and routine checks for the players to ensure they are free from decay and dental problems before the new season kicks off in a few weeks’ time.

Ethan Robb, centre half, described the partnership as a “really good initiative” and said that taking care of the teeth and gums is as important as looking after the rest of the body. Any kind of pain or injury can impact performance and toothache can make focusing on a game or training session incredibly difficult. Going to the dentist before the beginning of the season is a great way to reduce the risk of tooth pain and get any problems sorted before competition resumes.

Trainee dentist, Anika Parmar, said that the programme is “brilliant” as it provides an opportunity for dental students to learn on the job and to engage with sports players, who are often at risk of developing dental issues through trauma.